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VOLUNTEERING  During February 2002 we began an ongoing volunteer programme at the Centre for Dolphin Studies (CDS) in order to generate funds to support our research programmes. Volunteers pay a weekly fee which includes their food and accommodation. CDS research students and a full-time volunteer co-ordinator, under the directorship of Dr. Debbie Young, manage and guide the volunteers. We are able to accommodate up to ten volunteers at a time.
WHAT WE DO  Volunteers are involved in a number of activities while at the CDS. By far the most popular, is joining us aboard our research vessels to help gather data. This work includes, recording sightings of whales and dolphins, video work, calculating dive times and group sizes. Research trips are obviously weather dependent, on bad weather days volunteers assist us with the organisation and administration of the CDS. This involves the input, assessment and categorisation of previously collected data.
We also get called to a number of strandings of whales, dolphins and seals, which we invite volunteers to attend. Those who have the stomachs to handle it can, of course, join us when we carry out post mortems on stranded animals. Volunteers are also involved in the washing of bones and assembly of skeletons for display and research purposes. Other activities include land-based surveys of whales and dolphins, cape fur seal counts and scat collection, helping students with Bryde's and humpback whale projects and assisting with ongoing dolphin identification and population assessments.       ACCOMODATION Volunteers are accommodated in a house on Dr. Young's farm, situated 9km from Plettenberg Bay. You may have your own room, or be asked to share with another volunteer, depending on numbers during your stay. Ingredients are provided for breakfasts and lunches...delicious home cooked meals are provided for dinner. The house sits next to the Knysna Elephant Park, and you can spend your evenings and early mornings observing these amazing animals.
  TIME OFF Volunteers are expected to work five days per week. The CDS is based in Plettenberg Bay on the beautiful Garden Route and we encourage you to do as much as possible with your time here. Activities around the area include elephant riding, kloofing, abseiling, bungy jumping (the highest in the world!), skydiving, wildlife reserves, shark cage diving, and much more!        TESTIMONIALS "It is hard to get bored while spending your time at the Centre for Dolphin studies. This is an opportunity you won’t get very often. To be so close to whales, dolphins and other marine mammals, and to actually study them, is an amazing experience. In the end of your stay, it is sure that you are going to miss seeing the ocean, whales and dolphins every day..." -Michiel Van Harten "Since the day I arrived, I’ve learnt something new everyday and with the wide variety of activities I am constantly occupied with research and projects. The Centre for Dolphin Studies directors, Vic and Debbie Cockcroft, throw volunteers right into the projects. In my first week I was taking part in a dolphin dissection, which is one of the most amazing experiences I have seen since joining the CDS. Not only is the course exciting, but our base in Plettenburg Bay is one of the most remarkable places I have ever visited. We are surrounded by mountains and golden beaches, and everywhere you look is a picturesque view. It’s the perfect place to visit!" -Natalie Bell "The house is in a very beautiful setting with an elephant park at the end of the garden. Volunteers become very close as we spend a lot of time together. My experience wouldn’t have been the same without the friends I have made." -Celine Haines PHOTO ALBUMS |
